THE Stroud Preservation Trust is inviting residents to discuss ideas for the future of the historic Victorian Chapels of Rest.

The chapel, a Grade II listed building located in the Old Cemetery to the south of Bisley Road, has been empty for the last three years.

The building, and the tarmac apron around it, are owned by Stroud District Council. Stroud Cemetery is a nature reserve and is now owned and managed by the Town Council.

Trustees have been researching the cost of restoring and converting the Chapel with the help of SDC and the Town Council.

The options that have been looked at include a mix of residential, work and community use.

A Covid-19 risk assessment has been completed and groups of five people at a time may enter each chapel. Stroud Preservation Trustees will guide the visitors but also want to hear comments and ideas for the building.

On October 8, Stroud District Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee agreed that the Chapels of Rest could be asset transferred to Stroud Preservation Trust for £1.

Set high up in Stroud Cemetery, the spire is a familiar sight from miles around. Stroud Cemetery is a serene, green space and a Local Nature Reserve with exceptional wildlife interest.

Stroud Preservation Trust is a building preservation trust which has completed six building restoration projects in Stroud including Withey’s Yard, the Medieval Hall (at the top of the High Street) and the Goods Shed. The trustees have been researching the cost of restoring and converting the Chapel with the help of Stroud District Council and the Town Council.

The trust has completed six building restoration projects in Stroud including Withey’s Yard, the Medieval Hall (at the top of the High Street) and the Goods Shed.

Stroud Preservation Trust as a charity with a good building record will have to raise grants for the work. If they cannot raise sufficient funds in its feasibility plan the building will revert to SDC to sell.

This is the first time that the building will be fully open to the public on Sunday, October 25 from 11.30am to 3.30pm.

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